Entries tagged with: SKyzoo

The 2015 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival takes place this week, Wednesday (7/8) through Saturday (7/11), and new updates were recently announced. The annual Brooklyn Bodega-presented festival begins with a "conference on Hip-Hop, Technology and criminal justice reform" on Wednesday, followed by a screening of 1994's Fresh on Thursday. Friday has a tour of Brooklyn bars and restaurants, courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery, and the JUICE Hip-Hop Exhibition at Littlefield with a dance-off, various showcases, and galleries.

Then as always, the main event is the big concert happening Saturday at 50 Kent. As mentioned, Common is headlining this year. Since we last spoke, they added Queensbridge legends Mobb Deep, plus Lion Babe, Freeway, Charles Hamilton, Skyzoo, DJ Rob Swift, Mista Sinista, Pitchblak Brass Band, John Robinson & PVD, DJ Parler, Uncle Ralph McDaniels, Torae, Chelsea Reject, Slim Dollars, Tripset, Waffle NYC, Money & Violence and more. Tickets are still available, and you can also try to win a pair.

Statik Selektah is celebrating the album in NYC the day before it comes out at Santos Party House (7/6), and he's promising that guests from the album will show up. Maybe it's a stretch to assume that say, Ab-Soul or Big K.R.I.T. will be in town, but it doesn't seem crazy to expect Bronson, Joey, Talib or any of the other locals. Tickets are on sale now.

Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era are doing their big Steez Day show on Tuesday (7/7) at Central Park SummerStage with Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers, Phony Ppl, Smoke DZA and more, plus Statik Selektah on DJ duties. After that, Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies and The Underachievers head to Highline Ballroom for a late-night show (11:15 PM doors). Central Park is sold out but tickets for Highline are still available.

Plus, Robert Glasper, Rakim, The LOX and more playing there this weekend

Jazz musician Kamasi Washington, who's on the new Kendrick Lamar album, the new Thundercat album, and has his own new album out now on Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder label, has announced a lengthy tour. He'll be in NYC for shows on August 24 & 25 at Blue Note Jazz Club. He plays 8 PM and 10:30 PM sets each night. Tickets for all four are on sale now. All dates are listed below.

Speaking of hip hop-related shows happening at the Blue Note, pianist Robert Glasper is in the midst of a four-night run there. He plays 8 PM and 10:30 PM sets tonight (6/25) through Saturday (6/27). Tickets are still available.

After his set on Friday, The Soul Rebels are doing a #RebelJam with rap vets Rakim, Slick Rick and The LOX's Styles P & Sheek Louch, Lettuce/Soulive's Eric Krasno, and more surprise guests (tickets). Rakim and The LOX will be coming from Radio City, where they play the 'Masters of Ceremony' show earlier that night with DMX, Shabba Ranks, Mase, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Brand Nubian and Das Efx (tickets).

And after Glasper's set on Saturday, Okayplayer presents an album release party with Skyzoo for his new Music For My Friends LP (tickets).

List of Kamasi Washington dates and a stream of a song from his new album, below...

Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ has been a pretty big deal for a while, but he's only finally getting around to releasing his debut album. It's called B4DA$$ and is due out sometime this year. No exact release date or tracklist yet, but Joey did recently drop a video for one of its singles, "Big Dusty." You can watch that below.

Like it seemed like he would, Joey will be performing as a guest with The Soul Rebels at their Brooklyn show this Friday (8/15) at Brooklyn Bowl, as he confirmed on Twitter. There's some other exciting guest rappers too, including Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Jean Grae and Skyzoo & Torae. Tickets for the show are available. It's Joey's only upcoming US date that's currently announced.

Slum Village, the group which once counted the late J Dilla as a member, are set to to release a new album, Evolution, this June, and they'll be kicking off an international tour this week in support of it. That tour hits NYC on April 30 at Santos Party House. The show is looking pretty solid, with music by Mick Boogie and DJ Martin, and performances by Tanya Morgan and Skyzoo, in addition to The Action Figures, Citi Lightz, and Singapore Kane. Tickets for that show are on sale now. All dates are listed below.

In related news, two previously unreleased J Dilla songs have surfaced on a new 12": "Trucks" (which prominently samples Gary Numan's "Cars") and "Anthem." Both feature Dilla rapping, in addition to producing. Stream them below.

Pharoahe Monch, formerly of Organized Konfusion and a relatively recent Duck Down signing, showed the crowd how it's done. His brief but powerful set touched upon new songs (joined by the inimitable Jean Grae at one point) and classic material like "Simon Says," including a "Fuck The Police" medley somewhere in the middle. Monch is a consummate performer, but his OG Duck Down labelmates who followed him were up to the task as well. Sean Price took the stage next - the most grizzled, most rotund, and perhaps most fascinating member of the Boot Camp Clik. An animated Grinch parody video began his set. From there, Price simply ripped it, helped out at times by his Heltah Skeltah partner Rock. Price barely moves when he raps, gripping the mic in its stand - and he doesn't need jump around, his presence is engaging enough. [Illiot Gould]

Indie hip hop label Duck Down Music threw a pretty stacked holiday party at Music Hall of Williamsburg with Javotti Media, which BrooklynVegan proudly co-sponsored. The show went down on December 18 with sets from Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Buckshot, Sean Price, Smif-N-Wessun, Flatbush Zombies, Skyzoo, and Dyme-A-Duzin, (of Phony PPL). A few pictures from that show are in this post.

Talib Kweli will play another NYC show next month/year at SOB's on January 20. Tickets for that show, which is a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Gil Scott Heron, are still avaialble.

As we've mentioned before, Talib Kweli is headlining the BrooklynVegan-presented Duck Down & Javotti Media's holiday partytonight (12/18) at Music Hall of Williamsburg. The night also features Pharoahe Monch, as well as Bootcamp Clik crewmembers Buckshot, Sean Price, and Smif-N-Wessun, plus Flatbush Zombies, Skyzoo, and Dyme-A-Duzin. Tickets are still available but if you'd like to go for free we're giving away two pairs of tickets. Details on how to enter are below. Hope to see you there.

Meanwhile, Talib just released the video for his track "Outstanding," which features Ryan Leslie. You can check it out below and get the MP3 as well via a download widget.

In other news, Flatbush Zombies recently stopped by Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg to talk about their favorite movies and you can watch that below. You can also check out Skyzoo's most recent music video, "JanSport Strings," as well.

If you can't make it tonight, Talib is playing a full band show at SOB's on January 20 which is in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and Gil Scott Heron. Tickets for that show are on sale now. All upcoming Talib Kweli tour dates are listed, with all the other stuff, below...

As mentioned, Duck Down Music is throwing a holiday party with Javotti Media in Brooklyn on December 18 at Music Hall of Williamsburg, of which BrooklynVegan is proudly one of the sponsors. When we first mentioned the show, the lineup was not announced, but as hinted, Talib Kweli will be headlining it. And the rest of the lineup is pretty great too. In addition to Talib, it's got some other NYC rap legends on there like Pharoahe Monch, plus Buckshot, Sean Price, and Smif-N-Wessun, all three of who are part of the Boot Camp Clik group. It also features some newcomers like Flatbush Zombies (who play SOB's two days later [12/20]), Skyzoo, and Dyme-A-Duzin of Phony PPL. Tickets for the show are still available. The first 50 fans inside will get a free Sean Price/Rocksmith t-shirt. That's the flyer above.

Sean Price and Buckshot recently teamed up for a show at Santos. You can watch a video from that show spliced with some footage of Buckshot and 9th Wonder on Sway's Morning Show with DJ Premier, below.

Summerstage which, as in previous years, includes more than just Central Park, will be hosting free shows this summer at Herbert Von King Park. One of those goes down this Sunday (6/10), and though billed as Talib Kweli (with Band), based on the event page's URL and Idle Warship's tour dates, we're pretty sure that means it's an Idle Warship show (aka Talib, Res, and a full live band). The show will be presented in conjunction with a screening of Brooklyn Boheme. Check out the full schedule of shows in Herbert Von King Park HERE.

In related news, Talib Kweli collaborator Jean Grae, who is gearing up to release her new full length, Cake or Death, will be playing Public Assembly on Thursday (6/7). The Brooklyn venue is hosting two solid shows that day: 'Brooklyn Live' in the back room with Jean, Skyzoo & !llmind, DJ IS1, Scram Jones, and Fresh Vetz, and 'Popular Demand' in the front room with Fool's Gold artists Party Supplies and Nick Catchdubs, along with Maffew Ragazino Sr., Nitty Scott MC, and more. Tickets to the front room show and the back room show are available. Check out the video trailer for Jean Grae's Cake or Death below, along with fliers for both Public Assembly shows.

As expected, The Jungle Brothers DID bring out members of the Native Tongues (and others) last night at SOB's (2/7), but that did not include many of the "invited guests". The reunion and associated guest appearances were limited to Leaders of The New School (Charlie Brown & Dinco D, but sans the crucial Busta Rhymes), Jarobi (of a Tribe Called Quest), members of the UMC's and Black Sheep, Sadat X, Force MDs and possibly some others. Bum out, but it was sort of expected.

No word on whether members of A Tribe Called Quest will be in attendance at Harlem Stage in March either, but they will be the subject of a three day event:

On the heels of a major Producers Guild Award for the documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest -Harlem Stage, in conjunction with Revive Music, will celebrate the impact, importance and influence of the pioneering crew with A Tribe Called Quest: Innovation and Legacies - A Movement in Four Parts March 1-3 at Harlem Stage. This four part series features live performances, dance events and a free humanities event headlined by a panel of hip-hop scholars, journalists and artists.

"A Tribe Called Quest is one of the most important groups in the history of hip-hop, with a legacy that continues to impact generations of artists, musicians and audiences." says Simone Eccleston, Harlem Stage's Assistant Director of Programming, who curated the tribute. "With their signature sound, they created timeless gems, and this series seeks to celebrate their cultural significance, their musicianship and their roles as composers and producers. It is our goal to provide audiences with a multidimensional experience that highlights ATCQ's music, the historical context, and their influence on artists that have come after them."

In the span of three years, starting in 1990, A Tribe Called Quest - made up of rappers Q-Tip, Phife Dawg and Jarobi White, and DJ/producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad - released three albums - People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders - widely acknowledged by hip-hop fans to be some of the best recordings ever. The crew became part of a larger community of artists making redemptive, transcendent music: groups like the Black Sheep, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, and Leaders of the New School; solo performers Monie Love and Queen Latifah; and others who formed the collective Native Tongues. They made songs together and often referred to each other in recordings.

Tickets for A Tribe Called Quest: Innovation and Legacies - A Movement in Four Parts, range from free to $25 and are available by phone at (212) 281-9240, ext 19 or 20, and online at www.harlemstage.org. Free programs require RSVP at boxoffice@harlemstage.org.

More details on each event below.

In other hip hop news, head on over to Public Assembly TONIGHT (2/8) for a FREE show as part of the Red Bull Academy. Kicking off with a conversation with Buckshot (of Black Moon), Dru Ha (of Duck Down), and Skyzoo, the evening will also feature live performances from Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot and Skyzoo as well. The show kicks off at 7PM and you can RSVP at Yamez@redbullmusicacademy.com (might not be necessary).

Check out a preview of tonight's discussion, as well as a new video for "Still Standing" by Pharaohe Monch and a preview of Sean Price's Mic Tyson (both are on Duck Down), with more Harlem Stage info, below...

Phony Ppl recently made their new LP Phonyland available for free download. Get a copy at Mediafire. As previously mentioned, you can also catch them opening for Theophilus London at Webster Hall.

In related news, Skyzoo (of Duck Down Records) recently released his new video for "Could've Struck the Lotto" from his recent The Great Debater mixtape (downloadable here). Check that out below, alongside some other videos including a video trailer for tonight.

CMJis almost here, and as usual hip hop is well represented with appearances from the greats as well as those on the upswing. Ghostdini (aka Ghostface Killah) obviously is one of the former, and he'll headline BB Kings on 10/22 with Sheek Louch (of D-Block), and Frank Dukes. Tickets are on sale, or you can get in with your CMJ badge.

Audible Treats have announced their 2010 showcase at Sullivan Hall in NYC, and once again it's chock full of interesting indie hip hop. Veterans Black Sheep will join Nottz, Diamond District, Big Pooh (ex-Little Brother), Chip Fu (of Fu-Schnickens), Rah Digga, Von Pea, Moe Green, DaVinci, and The Left (Apollo Brown, DJSoko, Journalist103). The show goes down on 10/21 and tickets are on sale.

Von Pea of Tanya Morgan will play two shows at SOBs in the coming months, with the first happening on 9/29 when he supports Pac Div along with STS and Beyond Belief (tickets). Then less than two weeks later, Von Pea will play the venue again with J-Live in tow to celebrate the release of his new record Pea's Gotta Have It. Tickets are on sale.

And while we're on the subject of former members of Little Brother, Foreign Exchange (aka ex-Little Brother member Phonte and producer Nicolay) will play a CMJ how at BB King's on 10/23 with Darien Brockington, Zo! and a live band in tow. Tickets are on sale. Darien Brockington, who also contributes to Foriegn Exchange, will also be at SOBs in the coming weeks as part of a collaborative show with R&B singer Yahzarah on 10/14. Tickets are on sale.

Pittsburgh weed kingpin Wiz Khalifa will play the Best Buy Theater on November 13th as part of a huge US tour dubbed the Waken Baken Tour. Tickets are on sale. All dates below.

Statik Selektah & Termanology's new collaborative LP, 1982, gets an album release party on October 25th at SOBs. Tickets are on sale for the show, which will feature support from REKS & more special guests TBA. Dig on the recent video by 1982 featuring Bun B & Masspike Miles, "You Should Go Home", below.

With Buckshot and KRS-One's collaborative LPSurvival Skills still making some noise, Duck Down Records have announced their CMJ Showcase at Gramercy on 10/24 featuring 9th Wonder, Buckshot, Smif 'n Wessun, Skyzoo, kidz in the hall, Sean Price, Marco Polo & Torae, Team Facelift, Da Beatminerz, Ruste Juxx, and Blue Scholars. Tickets are on sale, or you can try and get in with your CMJ badge if you have one.

Skyzoo & 9th Wonder played Santos Party House on Tuesday (9/29) as part of an album release party for Skyzoo's The Salvation.

"Skyzoo had a real dope performance with Dujeous as his live band and 9th Wonder on the 1's and 2's. Daru opened up with his amazing drum solo and J hatch was the host. Rule4080 was in the building peep the flicks and yes that is 9th Wonder in red lol" [Rule480]

Out now, The Salvation features "Popularity" which is available above. Video from the show below...

Record Store Day (4/18) meant events at record stores all over the country on Saturday. Bill Callahanplayed Other Music in the NoHo section of Manhattan. Further west, Fat Beatshad an all day line-up that ended with the Rock Steady Crew followed by DJ Premier, NYGz & Blaq Poet followed by headliner Talib Kweli (who also played Columbia University the same day). More pictures and video from some of the acts earlier in the day, below...